HAND Announces Homebuyers Club Dates for 2024

The City’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) will host five sessions of Homebuyers Club in 2024. Open to prospective homeowners across the community, the classes are targeted to first-time home buyers with income at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI), with the goal of increasing accessibility to home ownership. Income-qualified residents who complete a Homebuyers Club and are purchasing a home within the city limits may qualify for assistance with downpayment and closing costs from HAND. 

“Now, more than ever, purchasing a home is out of reach for many Bloomington residents,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “The HAND Homebuyer Club, as well as the down payment and closing cost assistance program, are some of the many ways that the City helps to make housing affordable. I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about how they can make homeownership a reality.”

Homebuyers Club sessions will cover the following topics:

• Considering whether homeownership is the right option for you
• Developing a household budget and home-buying action plan
• Developing a savings plan, credit issues and credit repair
• Working with a realtor and determining the right home for you
• The importance of home inspections and how to value a home
• Learning about mortgages and finding the right one for you
• Protecting your investment through comprehensive home maintenance
• Accessing community and neighborhood resources
• Exploring funding assistance through local, state, and federal sources

Each session meets for two consecutive Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the first Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the second Saturday. In order to complete the Homebuyers Club, participants must attend both Saturdays of the session for which they are registered. 2024 dates are listed below:

1. Saturdays, January 20 and 27 (registration is now open)
2. Saturdays, April 13 and 20 
3. Saturdays, July 13 and 20
4. Saturdays, September 21 and 28 
5. Saturdays, November 9 and 16

The Homebuyers Club is open to all in the community at no cost. However, class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration opens approximately one month prior to each scheduled session. To register for the January session or to learn more about down payment and closing cost assistance available through HAND, please visit bloomington.in.gov/housing/home-buyers-club.